HOLODECK VR REBRANDS AS SPREE INTERACTIVE AND PARTNERS WITH IAAPA EXPO EUROPE

BY GABRIELLE

Holodeck VR, leaders in the creation of turn-key large-scale, multiplayer, free-roaming commercial VR attraction systems for the amusement industry, has announced it has changed its name to SPREE Interactive.

The newly named company has also partnered with IAAPA Expo Europe in Paris, to create the Virtual Showroom at the IAAPA Theater.

The Virtual Showroom incorporates SPREE’s patented free-roam VR technology, designed to make optical tracking hardware more accurate and reliable. By making optical tracking hardware more efficient, the VR technology allows manufacturers to showcase their larger attractions away from the trade show floor.

SPREE’s pioneering free-roam VR tracking technology has been integrated into rides and attractions at some of Europe’s most well-known theme parks.

The technology is being lapped up at Europa-Park in Germany, where, in partnership with VR Coaster, it powers the world’s first Roam&Ride attraction.

SPREE’s free-roam tech is also responsible for powering the world’s first VR bumper car attraction, which is located at the Erlebnispark Schloss Thurn amusement park in Nuremberg, Germany.

Jonathan Nowak Delgado, co-founder and managing director of SPREE Interactive, commented on the name change.

“The name SPREE sprung from the evolution of our company and products as we have learned from our experience of rolling out innovative free-roam VR over the past year.

“We listened to our partners at theme parks, family entertainment centers, trampoline parks and other amusement locations, and have focused our product direction to deliver kid-friendly, family-friendly free-roam VR.

“The lighthearted name reflects our mission to provide experiences that demonstrate our core values: Simple. Social. Fun. We look forward to talking to operators and future partners at IAAPA Expo Europe!” Nowark Delgado added.

IAAPA Expo Europe 2019 is taking place in Paris on September 17 – 19.

SIMWORX TO LAUNCH TWO NEW PRODUCTS AT IAAPA EXPO EUROPE 2019

BY GABRIELLE

Simworx, UK-based media attraction specialists, is to officially launch two new major products, the AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) Dark Ride and the Mini Flying Theatre, at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe in Paris.

The product launches will take place during a press conference on the first day of the expo.

Without tracks and power cables, the AGV Dark Ride is described as taking dark ride technology to new levels.  Instead of travelling along a track, vehicles roam freely along a programmed path at speeds which have yet to be reached in the industry.

The attraction is available with a number of different motion systems, seating capabilities and on-board 4D effects, which, together with a custom designed AV solution, provides an innovative dark ride designed to enthral all ages of riders.

The Mini Flying Theatre is essentially a smaller version of Simworx’s Flying Theatre. The attraction features an immersive, large format quarter dome screen concept. With 20 seats, the Mini Flying Theatre can accommodate approximately 250 guests an hour.

With a programmable heave and tilt feature, guests can experience movements that are fully synced with the action taking place on the screen. With riders’ legs dangling freely below them, guests can enjoy the sensation of flying.  A range of in-theatre effects augment the excitement, including water spray, wind, snow, bubbles, smoke and special effects lighting.

Edward Pawley, sales director at Simworx, commented on the launch of the two new products.

“We are delighted to announce the official launch of the AGV and Mini Flying Theatre attractions.

“Both products are exciting additions to our ever-expanding product range and provide operators with two fun and entertaining attractions which will appeal to a very wide age range.

“We are already talking to a number of potential clients for both products and look forward to officially unveiling both these attraction solutions at the IAAPA Expo Europe in Paris,” said Pawley.

Simworx’s press conference will take place at booth 2424 on September 17, the first day of IAAPA Expo Europe at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED FOR IAAPA EXPO EUROPE 2019 IN PARIS

BY GABRIELLE

IAAPA has announced the speaker line-up for the IAAPA Expo Europe, which is poised to be the largest show in the event’s history, occupying over 17,500 net square meters of exhibition space.

Speaking at the Leadership Breakfast is Nicolas de Villiers, president of the French theme park, Puy du Fou. De Villiers will talk about the success of the unique Grand Parc and share visions of international expansions.

Daniel Delcourt, chief operating officer for Disneyland Paris and David Wilson, Walt Disney Imagineering site leader for Disneyland Paris will talk at the Future Feature: The Future of Disneyland Paris session. Delcourt and Wilson will discuss the future of the Disneyland Paris resort.

IAAPA Expo Europe will also feature prominent leaders of theme park groups in Europe, who will share insights and perspectives on the French amusement park industry and discuss future goals and strategies for their organisations.

François Fassier, director of Leisure Parks Operations at Compagnie des Alpes, Laurent Bruloy, président of Looping Group and Benoit Chang, CEO of EuropaCity, are due to speak at the Lunch and Learn: What’s Next for the French Attractions Industry event.

The Lunch and Learn: Eye on the Middle East and Africa Attractions Industry will also feature industry leaders who will talk about the latest developments in the Middle East and Africa regions.

These speakers include Sabine Lehmann, executive director, Attractions Africa, Bill Ernest, CEO, Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) and Bianca Sammut, general manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

IAAPA Expo Europe 2019 is taking place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris on 16-19 September.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE AND SPECIAL EVENTS ANNOUNCED FOR IAAPA EXPO EUROPE 2019

BY GABRIELLE

IAAPA Expo Europe, EMEA’s largest conference and trade show dedicated to the attractions industry, has announced its program schedule and a series of special events for the forthcoming show in Paris on 16 – 19 September 2019.

The events include an Opening Reception at the d’Acclimatation and a Leadership Breakfast, which will feature Nicolas de Villiers, président of Puy du Fou.

On September 16, an Indoor Entertainment Day will be taking place, designed for visitors with an interest in indoor leisure facilities, such as mini-golf, escape rooms, VR parks and more.

Also on the 16th is the Water Park Forum, a networking educational event designed for water park owners, operators, designers, and manufacturers. Following the networking session, a tour will take place at Villages Nature Paris, home to the Aqualagon indoor water park.

On the same day visitors can participate in the EDUTour to the popular amusement parks on the outskirts of Paris, the Mer de Sable and Parc Astérix. The guided tour includes a networking reception.

The Opening Reception is taking place on 17 Sept, at Paris’s amusement park, the Jardin d’Acclimatation.

The Opening Reception will be followed by a Lunch and Learn on the French Attractions Industry session, featuring well-known leaders of Europe’s park groups, including François Fassier, director of Leisure Parks Operations at Compagnie des Alpes, and Laurent Bruloy, président of Looping Group, who will talk about the attractions industry in France.

On September 18, a string of informative events and networking sessions will be taking place, including the Leadership Breakfast with keynote speaker Nicolas de Villiers from Puy du Fou on 18 September, a Lunch and Learn on the Middle East and Africa Attractions Industry session, and a Young Professionals and Students Forum and Reception.

The following day the Future Feature: The Future of Disneyland Paris event will invite guests to experience a unique look into the future of Disneyland Paris, a leading European tourist destination.

From 19 – 22 September, a Post-Tour to Cité du Vin, Cité de l’Huître, Puy du Fou, and Zoo de la Flèche is taking place, where guests will experience France’s unique and world-renowned attractions.

With over 15,000 professionals from the leisure and attractions industry, IAAPA Expo Europe will be the largest show in event history, covering more than 17,500 net square meters of exhibition space at the Paris Expo Porte De Versailles.